## Overview and Role Malacañang Palace, officially known as the Malacañang Palace Complex, is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the Philippines, as well as the symbolic heart of the Philippine executive branch[2][3][5]. The term “Malacañang” has become a metonym for the presidency and the executive branch itself, reflecting its central role in governance and national politics[3][5]. The palace complex is located in the San Miguel district of Manila, along J.P. Laurel Street, and is considered one of the most important historical and political landmarks in the country[2][3][5]. ## Historical Background Originally built in 1750 as a modest summer house by Spanish aristocrat Don Luis Rocha, Malacañang began as a riverside retreat for the Manila elite[3][5][6]. The property was acquired by the colonial government in 1825 and transformed into the official residence of Spanish governors-general[3][5]. During the American colonial period, it became the home of U.S. governors-general, including William Howard Taft, and later, after Philippine independence, it has housed every president except Emilio Aguinaldo[3]. The palace has witnessed numerous pivotal events, including colonial transitions, the Japanese occupation, martial law, and the People Power Revolution[3]. ## Key Achievements and Developments Over the centuries, Malacañang has evolved from a simple casita to a fortified complex blending Spanish Colonial, bahay na bato, and Neoclassical architectural styles[5][6]. Major expansions occurred during the American era, including the construction of the Executive Building (Kalayaan Hall), designed by American architect Ralph Harrington Doane and Filipino architect Tomas Mapua[4]. The palace has been repeatedly renovated to accommodate modern security and administrative needs, with its exterior now bullet- and bomb-proof[6]. Malacañang also houses a museum showcasing the natio